As Christians, we know we must live a life devoted to God, to Jesus, and to be charitable to others. It is easy to realize we have to pray. It is easy to understand charity.  

One thing that often seems more difficult or even forgotten is encouragement. Today we have one of the best examples of encouragement in Barnabas. In fact that is why he was called Barnabas. His name had been Joseph, but the apostles named him Barnabas because it means encouragement. 

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch he immediately gave Glory to God. He rejoiced and prayed to God for how wonderful the new Christians in Antioch are. Barnabas was also one who helped explain and encourage the disciples and apostles to believe in Paul’s conversion. They had been afraid of Paul obviously since he was persecuting the Christians. It is evident that by his actions of encouraging and supporting Christians the he was then chosen by the Holy Spirit to now go on an evangelizing mission to spread the Gospel throughout other lands. 

As Christians do we encourage others? Do we rejoice and praise God about others Faith? Do we encourage those involved in the Faith in all they do to keep up their good work?  Do we encourage others to live the Faith when it is hard in the world, or when they meet obstacles? 

Do we encourage others when they meet hard times in life, when it is easy to despair with problems in life? Do we encourage or try to even instill Faith in those not practicing the Faith and help them know Jesus?

We are all a disciple like Barnabas was. Barnabas was chosen by the Holy Spirit and set apart for more work for the Kingdom. We have all been chosen as well to spread the Gospel message, especially through our baptism and confirmation.

Today let us pray to Barnabas to be the disciples, Christians of encouragement like Barnabas for the Salvation of souls of all we encounter.